Silvopasture

Silvopasture is the intentional integration and management of trees, forages, and livestock on the same land. Silvopasture can be achieved by either (1) planting trees into existing pasture or (2) thinning woods and establishing forages as understory.

What are the benefits of silvopasture?

Environmental

Improved animal performance and potentially gains due to increased comfort from tree shade
Shelter from the elements (wind, rain, snow)
Marginal cropland can be converted to multi-species timber and forage for livestock grazing systems
Increased wildlife diversity
Improved water quality
Better soil base due to increased organic matter
Enhanced erosion control from wind and water erosion
Improved plant nutrition uptake
Control insects
Reduced wildfire risk (reduced fuel load)
Increased tree growth rates
Sustainable (less dependence on inputs so also economic benefits)

Economic

Allows for multiple sources of income (i.e. meat sales, timber, haying and forage production) from same property
Lease income to landowners (i.e. leasing to a livestock farmer as well as recreational leases for hunting, etc)
Supports local farmers and the local economy
Looks attractive and can improve property value
Multiple revenue streams helps cash flow the operation while the tree crop matures

What does a step-by-step approach look like when setting up a silvopasture agreement?

Example: Thinning woods and establishing forages as understory for livestock

Step 1: Revisit the forestry management plan on the land if one exists.
Step 2: Consult your area NC Cooperative Extension Forestry Agent to determine what degree the stand needs to be thinned to achieve shading to allow for forage growth (approx. 25% – 45% tree canopy for warm season grasses; 40%-60% tree canopy for cool season grasses).
Work with your forester to determine the value of the wood to be thinned and approximate project timeline.
Step 3: Work with a contractor to thin the trees. Thinned wood may be marketed as pulp wood or chip wood or saw timber depending on if it presents any value. If there is no value to capture, a forestry mulching machine could be used or bulldozers could be used to push up and pile debris.
Step 4: Handle any trash from the thinning process. Do site prep work such as removing stumps, branches or wood chips and smooth land.
Step 5: Take soil samples and determine amounts of lime and fertilizer needed to establish forage.
Step 6: Work with your local NC Cooperative Extension agent to determine the appropriate seasonal planning window to establish forages and add amendments.
Step 7: Install any needed infrastructure such as fencing and water lines, etc. Depending on your timing and seasonality, you may want to install infrastructure prior to establishing forage.
Step 8: Allow for forage establishment before grazing.

Example: Planting Trees Into Pasture

Consult your area NC Cooperative Extension Forestry Agent to determine what trees are best for your soils.
Work with your local NC Cooperative Extension agent to determine the appropriate seasonal planning window to establish forages and add amendments for establishment.
May be several years before trees are a sufficient size to be grazed without damage.

What do I need to keep in mind when setting up a silvopasture agreement?

Integrated management systems involve careful planning. Considerations include:

Forage selection: Consider forages that are compatible with partial shade, soil type, and best suited for livestock nutritional needs. Consider your grazing schedule and seasonality when determining cool and warm season grasses.
- Are you planting annuals, perennials, or both? Annual forages can be used to help maintain ground cover and provide forage while waiting for the optimal planning window for perennial pasture.
- Do NOT overgraze. Rotate livestock and maintain proper stocking density, making sure to provide rest periods for forage to recover.
  - On cool-season forages, move cattle in when 8-10” tall and out when 3-4” tall
  - On warm-season grasses, move cattle in when 12-18” tall and out when 6-8” tall
Tree management: Do not leave animals in one place for extended periods of time to support tree growth and reduce soil compaction, root damage, and damage to trees which may attract insects and disease.
Consider your available land, acreage, and resources when determining your enterprise and/or species diversification.
Infrastructure is frequently the most costly component when incorporating livestock into a silvopasture system. Permanent perimeter fencing will be needed for cattle, though temporary fencing can be used for grazing management and may be sufficient for goats, sheep, and poultry. Consider flexibility (easy to take down) for tree harvest. Access to water is key.
Clearly outline the timber management plan with the landowner. Be sure to understand the timeline for tree management and timber harvest in the lease in order to avoid conflicts from grazing.